Chapter 1

Preface

✦

HAROLD B. LEE USRARY

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

PPOVO MTAM

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CONTAINING

FOE THE SELE-INSTEUCTION OF CANDI-
DATES,

THE COH^IPIjIETE DBITTJ-A^XiS

THE HIGHER DEGREES,

VIZ.,

EOYAL ARK MAEINEES, MARK MASTER, ROYAL ARCH,
RED CROSS OF ROME AND CONSTANTINE, AND PERFECT
PRINCE MASON, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, AND ROSE CROIX;
ALSO, MONITORIAL INSTRUCTIONS IN THE 30th TO THE
33kd and LAST DEGREE OF FREEMASONRY.

TO WHICH ARE ADDED

HISTOEICAL INTEODUCTIONS AND EXPLANA-
TOEY EEMAEKS,

COMPILED FKOM THE BEST AUTHOEITIES.

BY THE AUTHOR OF
i» _(»

(craft.)

LONDON :

REEVES AND TURNER, 196, STRAND,

1873;

ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED

AT THE

CAMBRIAN PRINTING WORKS, 15, DEAN STREET, BANGOR.

1873.

HAROLD B. LEE LIBRARY

9RIGHAM YOUNG UNIVeRSlTY

PROVO, UTAH

Onward I and all earth shall aid us,
Ere onr peaceful flag be furled :

Masonry at last shall conquer,
And its Altar be the World.

FEINTED AND PUBLISHED

AT THE

CAMBRIAN PRINTING WORKS, 15, DEAN STREET, BANGOR.

1873.

PREFACE.

-:o:-

This Volume, presented to the Masonic Brethren by the
Compiler, is intended to supply a want hitherto entirely
unsupplied of a Complete Handbook for the self-instruc-
tion of those Brethren desirous of entering the Higher
Degrees of Freemasonry, and he trusts that it may be
received with the same favor that his previous less
ambitious work, viz., <<The Text Book of Freemasonry "
(Craft), universally met with.

In performing this self-imposed task it behoves the
Compiler to acknowledge the aid he has received, in the
Historical and Explanatory Eemarks, from the works of
such distinguished and erudite Brethren as Brothers
Dr. Oliver, Findel, C. T. McClenachan, U.S., Jeremiah
Howe, and others.

January, 1873.

"If it be asked for wliat good are the Superior Degrees cultivated ?
we might answer, that as to personal benefits, the opportunity to do
good and communicate, to practise all the Masonic virtues, as well
as enjoy all the pleasures of fellowship and sociality — so far as these
are considered within the sphere of the Masonic acquirements of
any Brother — the original working degrees of Ancient Graft Masonry-
will for him suffice. Only to one who wishes to attain a more exten-
sive knowledge of, and become fully accomplished in, the religious,
philosophic, and chivalric departments of our Order, as they were
cultivated in the different ages of the world gone by, as well as at
the present day, would we recommend initiation into the higher
degrees. He only will be competent to appreciate the honors and
privileges attached to them who possesses the disposition and ability
to study the deeper and higher Mysteries of our Kabala, and will not
rest satisfied until he has discovered a satisfactory solution to every
Masonic problem, and can in every case explain, de quo fabulum nar-
ratur, who can thoroughly understand the moral mysteries, as well
as those of art and science, which our legends unfold, and who has a
laudable ambition to participate in the most exalted sphere, with
congenial associates, in that subtle communion and fraternization
which genuine ' Sublime Freemasonry' is peculiarly calculated to
afibrd." — The Freemasons^ Quarterly/ Magazine.

"With the exception of Christianity I know of no other institution
in which benevolence so pure, and philanthropy so disinterested, are
taught in obedience to the command of God ; nor where, but in the
Gospel, the social and moral duties are enforced by such awful sanc-
tions as in the Lodges of the Brotherhood," — JRev. Dr, Dalcho,

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

-:o: —

Page.

Preface and Notes

• •• «

• •

...

Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Koyal
Mariners

Ark

Introductory Eemarks ...
First Grade

•• • « o

••

• • •

Ceremony of Elevation
Lecture

• •

...

8
21

2nd Grade. ~r-Ceremony of Enthronment

...

Ceremony of Inaugura^
Dedication of Lodge

tion

and

Investiture of Officers

» • •

,, ,

The Mark Master's Degree

• ..

...

Introductory Remarks ...
Anthem

...

Opening the Lodge
Ceremony of Advancement
Lecture

>• •

• • •

51
53
68

Closing the Lodge
The Holy Eoyal Arch
Introductory Eemarks ,.»
Ceremony of EsJaaltation

...

• • •

72
75

77
82

table of contents. vi.

Page.

Address of the Third Chair 91

Second or Sacred Lodge... ... ... ... 92

Third or Grand and Eoyal Lodge ... ... 93

Mystic Explanation ... ... ... ... 98

Passing the Veils... ... ... ... ... 103

Closing the Chapter ... ... ... ... 104

Charge ... ... ... ... ... ... 105

4. The Imperial, Ecclesiastical, and Military Order
of Knights of the Eed Cross of Eome and

Constantino ... ... ... ... ... 107

Introductory Eemarks ... ... ... ... 109

Eirst Grade. — Eorm of Opening ... ... 113

Ceremony of Installation ... 115

of Inaugurating and

Dedicating a Conclave ... 124

of Closing 132

of Investiture of Of&cers 134

Second Grade. — Ceremony of Consecration ... 137

Closing of the Grand College... 143

Third Grade.— Presentation of M. P. Sov. Elect 144

Ceremony of Enthronement ... 146

General Grand Conclave — Drill. 151

5. The Knights Templar Degree ... ... ... 155

Introductory Eemarks ... ... ... ... 157

Ceremony of Opening the Encampment ... 163

of Closing ... ... ... ... 166

of Installation. — Part 1st. ... ... 168

of Installation. — Part 2nd 179

Charge 184

6. Knight of the Eose Croix de Heredom ... ... 187

Historical and Introductory Eemarks ... ... 189

Characteristics that may be adopted by Eose

Croix Knights 196

VU. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Officers of a Chapter ... ... ,

Directions of the Arrangement of Chambers

&c.
Ceremony of Opening the Conclave
of Eeception ...

Page.
199

, 201
207
209
215
221

. 223
225

, 227

Second Point

Third Point

Ceremony of Closing the Conclave

Form of Petition...

Form of Promise of Allegiance . . .

7. Monitory Instructions in The Thirtieth Degree,

or Knight of Kadosh ... ... 229

Introductory Eemarks ... ... ... ... 231

Apartments, Furniture, and Decorations ... 233

Officers and Dress , . . . . . . , 235

Ceremony of Eeception . . , . . , • . 237

8. Monitory Instructions in The Thirty-first Degree,

or Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander. . 243

Decorations, Titles, Officers, Prerogatives , , 245

Ceremony . . . . , . , . . . . . 248

9. Monitory Instructions in The Thirty- second De-

gree, or Sublime Prince of the Eoyal Secret. . 253

Argument , • , . , , . . , , , , 254

Decorations . , , . , , , . . , 255

Officers and Titles 256

The Camp 257

Clothing 259

Ceremony of Eeception • , . . . . . . 260

10. Monitory Instructions in The Thirty-third De-

gree, or Sovereign Grand Inspector General.. 267

Decorations, &c. , . , . , , , . . . 269

Appendix to Statutes • • • « • • , . 272

(bu -

THE

J^ HSr T I E IsT T

AND

fioNOUI^BLE j^RATEI\NITY

gcgal %x\\ Hariwrs.

INTEODUCTOEY EEMARKS.

-:o:-

This Degree lias never excited very much attention
amongst Masons, but we learn from the Book of the
Statutes that " in the 18th Century Eoyal Ark Masonry
ai^pears to have been much practised. In the year 1772
a Grand Lodge was constituted, and a Warrant is in the
possession of the Supreme Grand Commander of the
Order, together with other documents relating to this and
the Excellent Masters' Degrees, with which degree it has
always been allied. This Warrant or Charter, sanctioned
by the Grand Lodges of England under the Old Constitu-
tions before the Union in 1813, is dated November, 1793,
and it informs us that H.E.H. the Duke of Clarence had
been pleased to accept the Grand Command of the Order,
and it is signed by several distinguished Masons of the
period. — Their Koyal Highnesses the Dukes of Sussex
and Kent were members of the Order. — This Grand

Lodge was in existence down to the year 1870, and the

jb2

4 THE EOYAL ARK MAEINEES DEGREE.

Warrant lias been transmitted from one to another with
the powers kept ahve and Avith the full authority unim-
paired, when Bro. Dorrington, the surviving Grand
Commander, unwilling that the knowledge of this portion
of Ancient Masonry should perish and not being in suffi-
ciently good health to attend a meeting away from his
own house at Bow, called together some Eoyal Ark
Mariners and invested Bro. Morton Edwards as his Pro.-
Grand Commander, with full authority to act and con-
vene meetings of Eoyal Ark Mariners, reorganising a
Grand Lodge," &c., &c. It also goes on to say that "the
position the degree of Eoyal Ark Mariner has always held
in Scotland is this, that it is never given to any Bro. who
is not a Eoyal Arch Mason. It is worked extensively over
the whole Continent of America, very much in India and
in many of the Colonies and Dependencies of the British
Empire. We also learn that it has been worked in
London from long j)i*evious to 1772, and that the Eoyal
Ark Mariners claim by immemorial custom to have the
right to work the Degrees of Mark Man and Mark Master,
and that the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters also claim to
have the x^ower to work the Eoyal Ark Mariners Degrees.
It was therefore arranged in 1870 that in order that the
Grand Master and Officers of the Mark Degree should
have an opportunity of judging as to the merits of this
Degree, that there should be a meeting held without pre-
judice to the claims of either, and it was hoped that either
party would disclaim its intention to work the other
Degrees or that an arrangement for union or attachment
of the Eoyal Ark Mariner to the Mark Degree much in
the same manner as the Eoyal Arch to the Craft, would
become to. Numerous meetings, and a long correspon-
dense ensued of an acrimonious character between the two
contracting powers, when, on the 9th August, 1871, all

THE KOYAL AEK MARINERS DEGREE. O

further negotiations were broken off by the promulgation
of the following resolutions carried unanimously at a
special meeting of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and
Honble. Fraternity of Eoyal Ark Mariners of England
and Wales, &c., viz.: —

1. " That this Grand Lodge, as representing the Fra-
ternity of Koyal Ark Mariners, having been a legitimate
and properly constituted body for nearly a century, stand
entirely as an independent order for the future.

2. '' That a circular, giving the neccessary information,
be sent to all Mark Lodges and other bodies interested,
and that this G. L. be at once placed with all of those
bodies who may be interested in its proceedings.

3. *'That, having the power by Eoyal Warrant of 1793
to confer the original and g^uine degrees of Mark Man,
Mark Master, Excellent and Super-Excellent Master,
these be at once added to the working of any Lodge of
Eoyal Ark Mariners that may desire to work them.

4. *'Eelates to fees only.

5. "That the thanks of the G. L. be sent to those
Lodges who have sent a vote of confidence, endorsing the
proceedings and undertaking to sustain the action of this
Grand Lodge, against the circular lately issued by the
Mark Grand Lodge, intimating that they would work the
Eoyal Ark Mariners degrees."

Finally, it appears that a notice of motion has been
given in the G. Chap, of Canada by Comp. Eamsey to the
effect that the constitution be so amended as to recognise
among other orders that of the Eoyal Ark Mariners
Degrees.

A regular Eoyal Ark Lodge consists of the following
officers, viz.: —

b THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS DEGREE.

1. Commander Noali. 7. Junior Deacon.

2. Senior Warden Japliet. 8. Director of Ceremonies.

3. Junior Warden Sliem. 9. Organist.

4. Treasurer. 10. Guardian.

5. Scribe. 11. Steward.
9. Senior Deacon. 12. Warder.

A Lodge may be allowed constitutionally to work with
three members, and be returned on the Eoll o f the Fra-
ternity, so long as a single member survives.

The Jewel of the Degree is a Dove with an Olive
branch in its mouth, hanged from a looped white ribbon ;
on the bar is the name of the Lodge, and on an oval plate
fastened on the ribbon, is the number of the Lodge, all of
silver. The Apron is of White Kid, with segmental flap
bordered with rainbovv^ ribbon, and three rosettes in the
places where generally fixed.

EITUAL OF THE CEEEMONY OF ELEVATION

TO THE

-:o:—

FIEST GEADE.

Com. Noah (Eepeated by Japhet and Shem).. — Bro.
Ark Masons assist me to open this Eoyal Ark Lodge.

Com. N. — Son Shem. What is the first care of every
Ark Mason?

Shem. — To see the Lodge secured.

Com. N. — Direct that to be done.

Shem. — Bro. Guardian you will see the Lodge Secured

Guard. — The Lodge is secured.

Shem. — Worshipful Com. N. the Lodge is secured.

Com. N. — Son Jax3het. What is our next care ?

Japhet. — To see that none but Ark Masons are present.

Com. N. — Brethren, to order as Ark Masons. Son
Shem, from what part of the world did Ark Masons
come ?

Shem. — From the mountains of Armenia.

Com. N. — Son Japhet. Whither did they take their
course ?

Japhet. — They were dispersed over the whole earth,

8 THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE.

and rested at that i^lace where the providence of God
pleased to direct them.

Com. N. — Then, Sons, since we have found a resting
place, it is my will and pleasure that this Eoyal Ark
Lodge be opened for all business that may come before it.
Therefore let us beseech the contmuance of the aid of the
Grand Commander of the Universe, that our labours thus
begun in order may be continued in peace and closed in
harmony.

Past. Noah. — So mote it be.

Com. N. — Glory to God on high and peace to us on
earth (opens Bible at Isaiah liv» chap. 8, 9, and 10 verses,
and places Triangle and Compasses).

Com. N. — Bio. Scribe, &c. (minutes are now read and
confirmed).

CEKEMONY.

Com. N. — Sons. Since, by the providence of God, you
have been preserved in the Ark from the overwhelming
waters, and have observed and obeyed God's voice in
being fruitful and multiplying on the earth, is there any
among you to join this Eoyal Ark Lodge to keep up the
memorial of so singular a deliverance ?

Japhet. — There is, and we believe, if permitted to come
into our Ark, he will prove a true and faithful brother.

Com. N. — Go Shem, and instruct the Beacons to pre-
pare him according to our antient custom.

Shem. — ^Bro. Deacons you will prepare and admit the
candidate in due form (the Beacons leave the room and
prepare the candidate thus, both f — s s — d and hookwinked
with c — t three times round the neck, and is examined as
a M. Mason and led to the door).

Guard. — "Who comes there ?

Warden. — A M. Master Mason, tried and proved.

Guard. — What is the name ?

THE KOYAL AEK MAKINER's DEGREE. 9

Warden. — Noacliida.
I Guard. — How is lie clothed?

' Warden. — In the habiliments of a distressed Mason.

Guard. — Is he in possession of our Password?

Warden. — He is not, but I am, and will be answerable
for him.

Guard. — Give it me.

Warden. — (Gives it.)

Guard. — Let him wait patiently while a report is made
to the Commander.

W. Commander. — A M. Master Mason, tried and
proved, who states his name to be Noacliida, and is
clothed in the habiliments of a distressed Mason, requests
admittance to this Eoyal Ark Lodge.

Com. N. — Let him enter.

Guard. — Enter Bro Noacliida.

(As Candidate enters he places the point of a triangle
to his breast.)

Candidate salutes as M. Master Mason, he is then led
round once by the left from entrance, and stops at the
point where Shem is.

Shem. — This point to which you have been directed is
called Beauty. This is to adorn the inward man, and
reminds us that God's Beauty shines forth throughout the
whole of the Creation in symmetry and order. It ex-
emplifies also the curious and masterly workmanship of
Noah in the construction of the Ai*k, the simplicity of
which was Beauty itself.

(The Candidate is led round again, and stops at the
point where Japliet is.)

Japhet. — This second point is called Strength, and will
support you under all difficulties. It denotes also that
God's strength is omnipotent. This was exemplified

10 THE EOYAE ARK MARINERS* DEGREE.

when the waters overspread the face of the Earth, by
which the Ark was upheld and all Noah's family saved.

(The Candidate is led round again for the third time,
and to the point where the Com. N. is.)

Com. N. — This third and last point is called Wisdom,
and will direct you in all your undertakings. It reminds
us that God's wisdom is infinite, and is an emblem of that
divine attribute. It also represents Noah and his wisdom
in building the Ark; by which mankind was preserved
from the Universal Deluge.

Com. N. — All rise! (Candidate is placed nearly in
front of Pedestal.)

PEAYEE.

Thou great and Glorious Commander of Heaven and
Earth, who spoke and it was done, we, the frail creatures
of Thy power, humbly beg the fulfilment of Thy promise,
thus when two or three are gathered together in Thy name.
Thou wilt be in the midst to do them good. In Thy name
we meet this evening to elevate a Brother, who, with us,
may continue to commemorate so wonderful a deliverance
as that of Noah and his family from the Deluge. Endow
hira that he may prove a true Brother, and able to un-
fold the mysteries of Ark Masonry. May he be as con-
stant and industrious as Noah, as faithful as Abraham, as
upright as Jacob, as patient as Lot, and may the purity of
him who was separate from his Brethren, and the wis-
dom of Solomon dwell in him. 0 Thou who met Jacob
by the way — Gideon in the field — and Moses by the bush,
meet him and bless him in his going out and coming in,
in his basket and in his store. May he enjoy the upper
and the lower springs. Bless him so that he may be rich
in faith and good works, given to hospitality, so that the
blessings of those ready to perish may come upon him.

May he love the brotherhood unfeignedly, well know-

THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE. 11

ing that love is the fulfilHng of the Law. May such a one
as Ham never be found among us, but may we so conduct'
ourselves in the Ark here, that when we are called hence
by the Supreme and Eternal Grand Commander of the
Universe we may find a blessed Asylum in the Mansions
of Eternal rest.

P. N. — So mote it be.

Com. N. — Having been presented to your Maker, the
Lord of Heaven and Earth, for his benediction, you must
now take a solemn obligation if you are desirous of obtain-
ing a knowledge of our mysteries.

Cand. — I am (Stands erect).

Com. N. — Then you will place both H^ — s on the B. of
S — L — , and repeat after me. I, A. B., in the presence
of the Grand Commander of the Universe, and before this
Royal Ark Lodge, of my own free will and accord, most
solemnly engage to keep inviolate the Secrets and Mys-
teries of this degree of Antient Freemasonry, denominated
Pioyal Ark Mariner, from all not of this degree, and reveal
them only to Ark Masons, they being well-known or
proved to be such after due examination, or in the body of
a Eoyal Ark Lodge properly and lawfully assembled by
the power of the Grand Commander of the Royal Ark
Council of the Order. I also engage to defend the charac-
ter of a Brother so far as is consistent with my duty to
God, my neighbour, and myself — to assist him so far as
Prudence may lay the line and Justice hold the scales.

I further engage to answer all lawful signs and sum-
monses when duly marked, and if within my c — t — .
This I solemnly promise and swear under no less a
penalty than that my R— be broken, my K- — taken out,
and the waters may overwhelm me and sweep me from off
the face of the earth. So help me the Grand Commander
of the Universe. (Salutes once. Reads Isaiah chap, liv.

12 THE EOYAL ARK MAEINERS' DEGREE.

8, 9, 10 verses.) Bro Deacons, you will restore our Bro.
to .

(The Cand. is here presented with an olive branch, or
myrtle will do if olive is not to be had).

Com. N. — You may now with truth meet Brethren in
Aik Masonry with that promise of God in your right
hand, which will comfort you in trouble, cheer you in the
hour of death, and make you happy to all eternity, for the
stability of the Lodge is brethren joined by truth and
cemented by love. He has given us a promise collectively
in the same chapter and last verse, "No weapon that is
formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that
shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their
righteousness is of Me saith the .Lord." J

Com. N. then gives the grip of a Eoyal Ark Mariner
(and proceeds) — By this Grip the Bro. may be known by

night as well as by day ; the word is . The hailing

sign in commemoration of the E — w is given by placing
h — s above h — d, f — s extended and meeting. The head
being in the centre signifies E — h, the arms being extended
E — w, and as it is placed in heaven as a token, so this
Hailing Sign is given as of distress, and when a Bro. sees
it he will immediately come to your assistance, however
difficult that may be. Certain other signs and tokens will
be explained to you in due course.

The Signs of the Degree are seven in number.

1. The Sign of Distress. 2. The Pass Sign. 3. The
Sign of the Dove. 4. The Penal Sign. 5. Hailing Sign.
6. Sign of Demand, and 7. Sign of Security. The Sign

of Distress, or Swimming Sign, is made by , and refers

to the Antediluvians making a foolish attempt to escape to
some elevated object by swimming. It also refers to the
Symbol of this Degree, the Equilateral Triangle.

THE EOYAL AKK MARINERS' DEGREE. 13

Com. N. continues — The Pass Sign is made by ,

and refers to Noali looking out for the Dove, and resting
his head in the hollow of his left arm. It is usually given
at the door of the Lodge, and has improperly been called
by some a Pass Grip. The Sign of the Dove is made by

, and refers to Noah extending his hand for the

Dove. It is usually accompanied by the words " Lo she

Cometh." The Penal Sign is made by , and is an

imperfect Eainbow Sign. The Sign of Demand, or ques-
tioning Sign, is also an imperfect Eainbow Sign, and is
nearly the Sign of the Dove inverted. It is always
answered by the last sign.

The Sign of Security is made . It refers to the

perfect Bow in token of the Covenant made with Noah.

The Grip refers to the periods when the Antediluvians
sentenced to the watery abyss, and struggling with the
execution of that sentence, endeavoured to frustrate the
wrath of Heaven by pulling each other up by this grip to
the summit of the hills, tops of trees, and aU places that
presented a tem^Dprary relief from the justice of Him who
was then pouring down destruction upon their heads.
Hence it is sometimes called the token of distress.

The Pass Word is M h. The Common Word is

L h, and the Sacred Word is T d.

Com. N. — You will now proceed to the South- West.

Shem. — A Bro's. distress may arise from three different
causes : — Firstly, in some matter wherein it may be neces-
sary to ask a Brother's advice, and the Brother who is
hailed will give you such advice as may be in his power,
in faithfulness and truth, his conduct being squared by
that rule which saith "Do unto others as you would that
they should do unto you."

Secondly, a Brother's distress may arise from excessive
poverty. He may not have a meal to eat or proper cloth-

14 THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE.

ing to put on. If this be the case the Brother to whom it
may be made known will do well to relieve this distress,
remembering that it is more blessed to give than to re-
ceive, and who so seeth his Bro. have need, and shutteth
up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God
in him, for he that saith he loved God and loveth not his
Bro. is a liar and the truth is not in him, therefore as wise
students of the manifold gifts of God, we should always
have a hand and heart ready to help a distressed Brother.

Thirdly, A Brother's distress may arise from his being
situated among his enemies, so as to render it necessary to
call in the assistance of a Bro. as to his bodil}^ strength, if
this be the case, the Bro. who perceives the Hailing Sign
will immediately come to his aid, and such will be his love
for his Brother, if he believes him to be worthy, that he
will sooner die by his side than desert him. This Mark
is always placed in a Eoyal Ark Mariner's summons of
im]3ortance, with such a mark you must attend if possible,
but if by unavoidable circumstances you cannot do so, you
must send your reasons in writing, with the same mark,
which means the Brother or Lodge receiving it, must take
the will for the deed, and the Bro. will have done his duty.
You will now proceed to the North- West to be invested.

(Candidate is taken by the S. Deacon to Japhet in the
North-West, and is placed at his (Japhet's) right hand.
Junior Deacon hands now the Lodge apron. They nearly
face the Worshipful Commander who is in the East and
Japhet invests him. The J. D. and S. D. standing at the
right hand of the Cand., who is at the right of Japhet.)

Japhet. — I now decorate you with this Jewel, and invest
you with this Apron, and enjoin you never to put it on if
you are angry or in wrath with your Bro., for it is an em-
blem of love and virtue, and as such more valuable than
any gift an Emperor or King can bestow, therefore you

THE KOYAL ARK MARINERS DEGREE. 15

must reconcile to your Bro., you may then sit down in
peace and brotherly affection, and to as many as walk by
this rule, Peace be unto them. You may now retire and
restore yourself to your personal comforts, and on your
return the ceremony will be proceeded with. — (Cand. re-
tires, and after re-clothing re-enters the Lodge.)

Com. N. — ^Bro. Deacons, you will direct our Bro. to ad-
vance to the East by the proper steps.

(The Deacons cause the Cand. to step on the point of
the equilateral triangle on the floor, and then advance
haK round it by three steps as under ; —

5v
3 2

Com. N. — I present you with the working tools of a
Eoyal Ark Mariner, and inform you that all the tools of a
Carpenter Mason belong to you, but as an Ark Mason you
are only to make use of such tools as Noah worked with
when he built the Ark, the principal of which were an
axe, with wlucli he cut down trees and equared them, a

16 THE EOYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE.

saw, with wliicli lie sawed those trees into planks, and the
borer with which he made holes in those planks, whilst
with the axe he cut out pins and drove them in, by which
means the planks were kept together. By wisdom and
the cunning workmanship he was possessed of, that
beautiful structure the Ark was formed, the strength of
which proved the temporal salvation of himself and his
family, and all the living creatures contained therein.
We consider that these tools have other meanings, which
I will explain to you. The axe fells trees, and they being
cut down are an emblem of the fall of the Old World, and
as the axe fells and squares the timber so it points out
the good providence of God in choosing Noah and his
family for his designs, and as the saw divides these trees
into planks so it declares how the Lord separated Noah's
family from the rest of mankind. As the Borer makes
holes in the planks, so it teaches us the use of afflictions
to make holes and uneasiness in our minds, that the axe
of God's goodness may cut out promises as pins, and drive
them into our remembrance so as to keep us in one family
dependent on Him, and as the Ark was built by these
tools, so it shows us that by perseverance in Faith, Hope,
and Love, we shall be shut into an Ark of safety, when
the whole Earth shall be dissolved by liquid fire and the
elements melt with fervent heat. The steps which you
took were to fix in your mind the form of a Lodge, and
the reason you were stopped at the three points was to
remind you that Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty were dis-
played in the construction of the Ark, they having also the
moral signification then explained to you. You7' standing
erect on entering into your engagement is the position Noah
stood in when he offered up the sacrifice to God for his
safe deliverance from the Deluge. His sacrifice was ac-
cepted and his prayer heard. The Grand and Eternal

THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE. 17

Commander of the Universe then fixed his bow in the
cloud, and made a covenant with Noah and all Ark
Masons, that they should stand as long as time should
endure, and commanded them to multiply and replenish
the Earth.

The Nine un-equiformed steps belonging to this Degree
denote the nine signs timely given by the S. G. C. U. to
our Grandfather Noah, to warn him that the time was
drawing near for building the Ark, that he, his family,
and the chosen of brute creation might escape from the
overwhelming waters which destroyed all other living
things upon the surface of the earth. The Triangular
Pedestal represents Noah and his two sons, Japhet and
Shem (Ham having been expelled with the curse which
fell on his posterity). For about 800 years afterwards the
Israehtes, descendants of Shem, took possession of the
Land of Canaan, destroyed most of its inhabitants, and laid
heavy tribute on the remainder, whom afterwards the
Greeks and Eomans (descendants of Japhet) brought into
subjection, so that Ham and his posterity became slaves
to that of their Brethren, Japhet and Shem. The part of
the Earth which Ham possessed was the South. Japhet
the North and West, for we are to recollect the blessing
upon Japhet is, that his territories should be enlarged,
and accordingly his posterity spread themselves, not only
over Europe and Lesser Asia, but Media, Armenia, Iberia,
Albania, and those large regions towards the North, now
inha^bited by the Tartars. The posterity of Shem taking
possession of the East.

The Triangle and Pedestal are also emblematical of
the Sun, Moon, and Stars, in this sense, that those in
the highest sphere of life have indeed the largest province
wherein to do good, but those of an inferior degree vdli be
as eminently distinguished in the mansions of bliss, if

18 THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE,

they move regularly and are useful members of society, as
tlie liigliest is lie who performs his part best, not he who
personates an exalted character, for the Moon, although
she borrows her light from the Sun, evidently sets forth
the Glory of God, and the flowers of the field declare his
power equally with the stars of the firmament.

It is my duty to tell you that certain fees will be re-
quired for your Elevation, and it is but right that you
should be informed by what authority we act. This is our
"Warrant or Charter of Constitution (holding under the
Eoyal Ark), open for your inspection at this or any other
Lodge evening. These are the Statutes of the Order.
These, our Bye Laws, from both of which you will learn
your duties to Ark Masons in general, and this Lodge in
particular. You will now proceed to the South West.
Son Shem, please to give the historical lecture to our
newly elevated Brother (Candidate is led to Shem by the
Deacons who stand on the left of Cand., who is on the left
of Shem, and as before nearly facing the chair of Com. N.).

Shem. — The first three ste^^s, circumnavigating the tri-
angle in a manner, conform with the first regular steps
in Symbolic or Craft Masonry; but here they have a
second additional import. You have already this evening
been told that the three points of the triangle are synony-
mous with the site of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty;
Man in his ignorance at the commencement of his pil-
grimage believes himself invincible by resting on the point
of Strength ; and relying thereon he oftentimes discards
the use of the unerring needle, strays from the true course,
and before long the waters overwhelm him. Having,
however, taken the first regular step, his foot rests appa-
rently upon fast ground, and his eye is opened to look
upon the spot where beauty reigns; but the danger
threatening him is even now greater than before, for

fHE ROYAL ARK MARINERS* DEGREE. 19^

sTiould lii« step liere deviate from the straight hue, his fate
will be like the bullrush, swayed to and fro by every
breath of the tempter. But, my Bro., if you take the-
second step fast and manly you will find yourself at the
site w^iere wisdom dwells, and from there your path is ,
easy to where Strength of Mind is favoured, for when
Wisdom guides your footstep the way shall become smooth
and easy of ascent. The fourth step^ is shorter, and of a
firmer nature, thereby indicating that although you are
now sure of the road you walk with due care and vigilance.
This step brings you into the middle of the Triangle, from
where, surrounded by Beauty, Strength, and Wisdom, you
may mount the ladder with even and regular steps, until
the Ark, the haven of rest, be reached. These five last
steps imply that, during your onward course, you mu«t
always recollect to exercise, and without remission, prac-
tise those five Cardinal Virtues peculiarly befonging to
Masonry — namely, Watchfuhiess, Discretion, Brotherly
Love, Truth, and Charity.

The Grip reminds us that however fast hold w^e may
think to have of a Bro.''s hand, death may come between,
loosen the grasp, an-d force each to give the slip. But
after that a rallying point is found, where Brother shall
cling to Brother, never to be separated any more, and even
the grasping of the Index, and pointing both conjointly
towards Heaven, will show you how the Grip of this.
Degree is to be rightly interpreted witiiout my adding any-
thing further.

The Hailing Sign Is given in referentse to the glorious
token placed in the welkin by the S. G. C. U, as a sign
that His wrath was appeased, and a promise to our Grand-
father Noah that nevermore s-hall the earth be destroyed
by the overwhelming waters. We consider it also as a .
tihanksgiving sign to Him for His mercy towards us»

■^0 THE EOYAL AKIv MAElNEKs' DEGREE.

In Scotland the}" are .

In America they are .

END OP THE CEREMONY OF ELEVATION.

:o:-

CLOSING.

Com. N. — I now rise to enquire whether any Bro. has
ought to propose for the good of Ark Masonry in general,
or this Eoyal Ark Lodge in particular. — 2nd and 3rd also.

Com. N. — Bro. Ark Masons assist me to close this
Royal Ark Lodge.

Com. N.— Son Shem, what is the constant care of every
Ark Mason ?

Shem. — To see the Lodge is properly secured^

Com. N. — Direct that duty to he done.

Shem. — Bro. Guardian, you will see the Lodge properly
secured.

Guard. — The Lodge is properly secured.

Shem. — Worshipful Com. Noah, the Lodge is properly
secured.

Com. N. — Son Japhet. What is our next care?

Japhet. — To see the Brethren to Order as Ark Masons.

Com. N. — Brethren, to Order as Ark Masons.

Com. N. — Before the Lodge is closed let us heseech the
Grand Commander of the Universe — who maketh the
storm to cease and the waves to he still, the wilderness a
standing water, and water springs a dry ground — to have
us in His good keeping until we meet again in His name,
or until it is His pleasure, that we be received into the
Ark of his Covenant made with the children of Noah, who
passed from the old to the new world.

THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS* DEGREE. 21

P. N. — So mote it be.

Com. N. — Son Japhet, the labours of the evening being^
ended you have my command to close this Royal Ark
Lodge.

Japhet. — Brethren, in the name of the Grand Com-
mander of the Universe, and by command of the Worship-
ful Commander, I close this Lodge.

Shem. — This Royal Ark Lodge being closed, I declare it
adjourned until, etc.

P. N. — Nothing now remains but, according to antient
custom, to lock up our secrets in a safe and sacred re-
pository; all uniting in the act with fidelity, fidehty,.
fidelity, so mote it be.,

BATTERY..

— :o:-

N. B. — ^When there are no Candidates for Elevation,
the following lecture may be given by a Past Noah.

P. N. — By reason of the sinful nature of the whole
earth, with the exception of Noah and his family, God
commanded that he should build an Ark. This structure
was a range of building 300 cubits in length and 30 cubits
in height. It was built of Gopher wood, that being sup-
posed to be what we call Cypress, and which no worm or
corroding animaculse will touch. It was pitched within
and without, with pitch to secure it from the weather, it
had one door in the centre of the side, twelve cubits high
and ten wide, and one window only, which was placed in
the centre of the roof. It was of three stories, capable of
containing a prodigious quantity, being larger than forty
ships of 1000 tons each, and was 120 years in building.
Some have doubted whether the Ark was capable of con-

£^ TFllE ROYAL AEK MARINERS' DEGREE.

•taining two of every sort of creature, with provision^
necessary for their support for a whole year, for so long
and more did Noah stop in the Ark. But on a careful
enquiry it has been found that only about 100 different
sort of beasts, and not 200 birds, are known, the greater
part of them are of no great bulk, and many exceedingly
small, and it has been said all the creatures in the Ark
would not take up the room of 500 horses. After 4000
years human ingenuity cannot now contrive any propor-
tions better adapted than that of the Ark for the purpose
it was intended for. A Dutch merchant, 200 years agq,
built a ship answering in its respective dimensions to
those of the Ark, its length being 120 feet, breadth 20 feet,
depth 12 feet; while building, this vessel was laughed ^t,
but afterwards it was found that it held ^ more, and sailed
better than any other merchant vessel of the time.

Thus we have a collateral proof no way inconsiderable
that the Spmt of God, from whom cometh all understand-
ing, directed Noah in that manner. We find the reasons
Assigned in God's counsels for the preservation of men
and animals in the Ark, were, to keep seed alive upon the
lace of the earth. God could have preserved Noah from
the wrath that was to come by taking him to himself as he
did Enoch.

He could, after having destroyed every species af
animal, with his word only have created an entirely new
race upon the face of the earth^, but this was not consis-
tent with the purposes of His wisdom. The Great Apos-
tate Spirit would undoubtedly have triumphed to have
seen even one order of God's creatures blotted out from
the face of creation by his malicious attempts. All orders
of beings would have trembled to have seen him prevail in
any one instance. If even the meanest of God's works
had been destroyed by any means of his he would have

THE ROY^VL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE. 23

gained the point lie aimed at. It is therefore that the
power and wisdom of God has been ever since employed,
instead of destroying, in producing back things not only to
their first perfection but to a still higher degree. God's
ways are far above our ways, wisdom is the first principle
of all His actions. We may look upon the destroying of
the whole world as a most terrible and severe judgment,
and it should be a warning to us not to commit sin. Yet
we think not ojp God as He is, if we suppose that He
brought all this destruction for revenge like a provoked
human being. No ! it was His. Wisdom and His Good-
ness that produced it. — For mankind having grown uni-
versally corrupt to a very extraordinary degree, it was the
highest act of wisdom and goodness to succeeding genera-
tions to take them away from the Earth, that the genera-
tions to come might proceed from a good stock, for we find
in general that the branches will partake of the nature
from which they spring, and accordingly tlirough this
means, and o.therwise alterations, the world in general has
never been again so universally wicked and impious.

It is supposed that a far greater number of souls were
destroyed by the Deluge than ' are in existence at the pre-
sent time.

Thus was the race of smners swept from the face of the
earth, a terrible example to all succeeding ages.

All their powers, their mighty strength, availed them
nothing. Whe^ God arose to judgment all their pride
was blasted, and they were scattered like stubble. With
what horror did they see the increasing waters rise around
to overwhelm them without any place to fly to. How did
those who lived where Noah did, wonder at the strange-
ness of his salvation, so far beyond all they looked for.
How, repenting and groaning through anguish of spirit,
did they look upon themselves. This is he whom we had'

24 THE EOYAL ARK MAKINERS' DEGREE.

sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproacli. We
fools accounted his life madness. How is it he is now in
safety. Thus also, my Brethren, by the mercy and good
providence of God, the Ark rested and Noah once more
settled on earth, with a promise that man should no more
be destroyed by water. When the families waxed nume-
rous Noah divided them as he was appointed, as you
have heard, but Ham, for his iniquity, was expelled to
Africa, with his curse and mark upon him. Shem had the
piivilege of continuing in Asia, and Japhet, with his bless-
ing, was sent to Europe, whilst Noah abided in the city
which he built at the foot of Mount Ararat. The Officers
of the Grand and Eoyal Ark Lodge being thus dispersed,
warrant was given to them that wherever they settled they
were to act as Grand Commanders, and convene Eoyal
Ark Lodges under them, with full powers and instructions
in all degrees of Ark Masonry. Thus dispersed Eoyal Ark
Masonry began to flourish all over the earth, has
descended to the present era, and so may it continue until
time shall be no more.

END OF THE KITUAL.

CEREMONY OF ENTHRONMENT OF A W. COM-
MANDER NOAH.

SECOND GRADE.

The Presiding Officer takes the Chair, and appoints his
Wardens, pro. tern., declaring the Assembly of Com-
manders properly formed.

The New Commander is then presented.

Past Noah. — I present to you a worthy Ark Mason, to
be enthroned as Worshipful Commander Noah of this
Royal Ark Lodge. We know him to be of good morals,
great skill, true and trusty.